First Breath Below the Surface — Try Scuba Diving (PADI) off Myrthianos Plakias

MYRTHIANOS PLAKIAS SCUBA FIELD GUIDE

First Breath Below the Surface — Try Scuba Diving (PADI) off Myrthianos Plakias

A full-day, PADI try-dive at Souda or Skinaria beach with a private instructor — this guide explains the flow, what to bring, and what to expect from the 8‑hour experience.

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First Breath Below the Surface — Try Scuba Diving (PADI) off Myrthianos Plakias.

Duration
8 hours
Location
Myrthianos Plakias
Operator
Dive2gether Crete
Category
Scuba

Adventure brief

First Breath Below the Surface — Try Scuba Diving (PADI) off Myrthianos Plakias

Set against the clear waters off Myrthianos Plakias, this PADI Try Scuba day places you in shallow, calm seas where a private instructor guides you hand in hand as you breathe and move underwater, explore reef life up close, and preserve the moment with underwater photos before a relaxed beach taverna lunch.

Crete’s coastline sets the stage for an accessible yet exhilarating introduction to underwater adventure. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to reconnect with the sea, Dive2gether Crete offers a personalized scuba diving experience that unveils the vibrant marine life just off Souda or Skinaria beach. These spots boast crystal-clear waters, lively reef systems, and an array of marine species, making each dive a visual feast. The area's unique geological formations, including colorful coral gardens and rocky outcrops, provide not just stunning views but also habitats for abundant marine life.

What makes Dive2gether Crete stand out is their dedicated approach—each trip is led by private instructors who prioritize safety and fun, ensuring you feel confident underwater. After a brief, thorough orientation, you'll don scuba gear and descend into depths where schools of fish dart between coral polyps and sunbeams penetrate to illuminate the seabed. Photos taken during these sessions preserve your memories of this deep-sea wonderland. The experience typically lasts a few hours, including prep, instruction, and the dive itself.

The beaches of Souda and Skinaria are easily accessible from major cities such as Chania or Heraklion, making them convenient starting points for your underwater adventure. The warm Mediterranean waters in summer add to the appeal, while spring and fall offer calmer conditions ideal for beginners. Dive2gether Crete’s trips blend adventure with education, helping newcomers grasp the basics of scuba while appreciating the island’s natural aquatic beauty.

Whether you’re seeking a single dive or a full certification course, this operation delivers a memorable, safe introduction to the underwater world of Crete. It’s not just a dive—it’s a glimpse into the island’s vibrant marine ecosystems that leaves a lasting impression.

Route Schematic

Itinerary at a glance

A step-by-step progression from arrival and gear fit to the guided shallow dive, lunch, and photo review.

  1. Arrival and gear fitting

    On arrival you'll be fitted with diving gear as needed and offered drinks while you meet your dive guide.

  2. Transport to Souda or Skinaria beach

    Travel to the chosen beach: you can drive your own car (free parking) or go with the operator if you don't have a rental.

  3. Safety briefing and gear prep

    A dive safety briefing and equipment explanation precede the water entry; all gear will be prepared for you.

  4. Guided shallow dive

    The actual dive lasts approximately 45–60 minutes in shallow water where you’ll practice breathing and explore reef life with your instructor.

  5. Dry off and lunch on the beach

    After the dive there’s time to dry and eat at the beach taverna (lunch is at your own cost).

  6. Optional afternoon dive or return

    You can sign up for an afternoon dive at a discounted price or head back to the diving centre.

  7. Photo review at the centre

    Back at the dive centre you’ll watch the underwater pictures your instructor took and may purchase them if you wish.

Scuba diving requires good general fitness; the experience is not suitable for people who cannot swim. Women who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant should not dive.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

WATER CONDITIONS

Calm seas and outstanding visibility

The dives take place in crystal-clear water with calm conditions that make the first underwater breaths and reef exploration straightforward and confidence-building.

PERSONAL TOUCH

Private, patient instruction

You’re paired with a dedicated private instructor — experienced, patient and kind — who stays close throughout the shallow dive to introduce breathing and reef encounters at your pace.

SMALL GROUPS

Close attention: 2:1 ratio

The operator runs small groups with a 2:1 ratio so the instructor can focus on each guest’s comfort while guiding close reef interactions and taking underwater photos.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

From arrival at the dive centre to the post-dive taverna lunch, the day is paced for beginners: gear fitting and a friendly meet-and-greet, a clear safety briefing, a 45–60 minute guided shallow dive where you’ll stand when needed and see fish at eye level, then drying off, lunch by the beach and a chance to review and buy your underwater photos.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this experience suits — and who should sit this one out.

1
Beginner adventurersIdeal for first-time divers and nature lovers who want a guided, hands-on introduction to underwater breathing and reef life.
2
Families with children from age 8Children from age 8 can participate, making this a family-friendly introduction provided they meet the swimming and fitness requirements.
3
Non-swimmersNot a match: the activity is unsuitable for people who cannot swim and requires good general fitness.
4
Pregnant or trying-to-conceive travelersNot permitted: diving is not allowed for women who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, wallet and contact lenses if you need them; the operator provides and prepares your diving gear as required.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the full Try Scuba day and how long is the dive itself?

The full experience is an 8‑hour day; the guided dive in the water lasts about 45–60 minutes.

Where do we meet before the dive?

The meeting point is at Dive2gether Crete before travel to Souda or Skinaria beach.

Are underwater photos taken?

Yes — your instructor will take underwater pictures of you, which you can view back at the dive centre and purchase if you wish.

Is lunch included?

No — there is time to eat at the beach taverna after the dive but lunch is at your own cost.

What if I don’t have a car to get to the beach?

You can drive your own car (free parking) or travel with the operator if you do not have a rental car.

How this guide was prepared

This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.

  • Verified: 2026-08-16T04:12:23.845Z

Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.

Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.

Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.

First Breath Below the Surface — Try Scuba Diving (PADI) off Myrthianos Plakias